Breastfeeding in joint accommodation: perception of primiparous mothers in the immediate puerperium

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To understand the perception of the primiparous postpartum woman about the process of breastfeeding in rooming-in. METHODS: descriptive and exploratory research with qualitative approach. Five puerperal women hospitalized at the Joint Accommodation of a public maternity hospital in the Bahia countryside were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by Bardin technique. The research was approved by UEFS Ethical Committee, under registry nº 2.529.234. RESULTS: Three categories emerged: meanings of breastfeeding for mothers; breastfeeding difficulties in J.A.; and encouraging strategies for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has meanings such as: a pleasurable act of love; breastfeeding as a health promotion for the child; of their physical and emotional well-being, disease prevention and mother-child bonding. Still, breastfeeding as a moment of pain and resignation. CONCLUSION: We found a lack of prenatal guidance, inadequate management of breastfeeding that resulted in pain and other physical discomfort arising from incorrect handling and poor positioning of the baby. The lack of privacy in the Co-Accommodation has emerged. Some encouraging strategies were explained: guidelines on breastfeeding techniques; professionals' attention to emotional aspects and family support, which are fundamental for breastfeeding success.